Preparing your journey to Malta

Requirements for entering Malta

European citizens do not need a VISA in order to enter Malta as it is a member of the EU itself. Non-EU-citizens need to apply for a VISA at their local Maltese embassy. Please also visit the Maltese embassy to discuss any requirements you might need to fulfill, if you are planning on staying in Malta for longer than 90 days.

Make sure to take your passport or personal ID with you when you visit the embassy and when you begin your travels. Please note that your ID and Passport must be valid for until at least half a year onward from the date of your return from Malta. Minors under the age of 16 need to have a children's ID that contains an up to date picture of them or alternatively have an entry of their own within their parents' passport. Travel and safety information can be found on the appropriate ministry of foreign affairs or federal foreign office.

Malta has been a member of the Schengen Agreement since 2007, which is why border controls are inactive at Malta's international airport. This is why travelers who have a Schengen VISA do not need another Maltese VISA in order to be allowed into the country.

Currency

The currency 'Maltese Lira' was replaced by the Euro in 2008. The Maltese Euro also depicts typical Maltese images on the backside of the coins and notes. One example of said images is the altar of the megalithic temple, which can be seen on the back of the copper colored cent coins. The golden cent coins hold the Maltese coat of arms on them. Both the 1 and 2 Euro coins' backs hold the Saint George's Cross on them.

Health care

There are no Maltese laws about needing to get certain shots or vaccines before entering the country. In case you need to get a hospital's or a doctors' treatment whilst in Malta, you may want to consider getting a travel health insurance that covers you for the entire duration of your journey and is also applicable abroad. You can apply for this with your health insurance company. Alternatively you can also apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The tap water in Malta is not suitable for drinking. Due to the fact that there is little to no groundwater in Malta, water that does exist is usually desalted and could also be partially chlorinated water from the ocean. Tap water is however safe to use for brushing one's teeth and cooking.

It is not uncommon for people to experience circulatory issues due to the fact that their body is not used to the high temperatures. Your Malta travel guide recommends: Always keep drinking water with you and drink a lot! The sun's rays can also have a very great impact on your skin in this location and it is therefor not an option not to bring a high functioning sunscreen. Should you spend long periods of time outdoors it is highly advisable to wear a hat or another form of sun protection on your head.